Job Title: Near Patient Physician Lead
Location: Akasaka, Japan
Work Style: Hybrid
Reports To:
Functionally: Regional Medical Director for Near Patient Program
Administratively: Country Lead / Head of TRICARE Services
Position Overview
The Near Patient Physician Lead will serve as the clinical lead for the Near Patient Program in Japan, overseeing all TRICARE Near Patient Team (NPT) medical operations. This position is critical in ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality healthcare services to TRICARE Prime and Prime Remote members, while acting as the central point of contact between Near Patient medical staff, Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), and external healthcare providers.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Oversight
Lead and oversee all activities of the Near Patient Team within Japan.
Provide clinical guidance for complex inpatient medical cases and assess clinical documentation when necessary.
Develop and manage an on-call schedule for Near Patient Physicians covering Japan and South Korea.
Ensure that the team’s performance meets TRICARE’s clinical and operational standards.
Stakeholder Coordination
Build strong working relationships with MTF leaders and civilian healthcare providers to enhance care coordination.
Represent the organization at military facility meetings, audits, and inspections.
Serve as a key medical contact connecting Near Patient teams, providers, and military healthcare leadership.
Team Leadership
Supervise and support Near Patient Physicians and Nurses, providing performance feedback and conducting evaluations.
Lead onboarding and training of new clinical staff.
Foster a team culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and open communication.
Service Quality & Compliance
Ensure clinical services align with the TRICARE Clinical Quality Medical Plan (CQMP) and meet contractual KPIs.
Participate in quality assurance reviews, investigations, and implement necessary service improvements.
Oversee patient case documentation and maintain accurate CRM records, including timely SOAPe entries.
US Government Liaison
Maintain and develop relationships with key U.S. government stakeholders, including DHA, TOPO, DoD, and MTF Commanders.
Represent the Near Patient Program at military and professional events.
Qualifications & Experience
Skills & Competencies
Strong clinical judgment and leadership, especially in acute care environments.
Effective communicator with strong relationship-building skills.
Strategic and operational mindset.
Comfortable working in multicultural and international settings.
Familiarity with CRM systems and clinical documentation platforms.
Professional Background
Licensed physician with at least 5 years of clinical experience after medical qualification.
Leadership experience in relevant fields such as family/internal medicine, emergency care, anesthesia, or ICU.
Experience working with military healthcare systems is highly preferred.
Background in managing client relationships and leading clinical teams.
Education & Credentials
Valid medical license in home country.
Postgraduate medical qualifications are preferred.
Language Skills
Fluent in English (spoken and written).
Japanese proficiency is a plus.
Travel
Willingness to travel within the assigned region (mainly Japan, occasionally South Korea).
Travel may be required for audits, training, site visits, and quality reviews.